light went out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'light went out' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when something that was giving off light stops doing so. For example: "The lights in the room went out suddenly, and everyone was plunged into darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

A bright light went out on March 17 , 2007

The New York Times

The resulting commotion continued until one light went out, then another.

The New Yorker

Then the light went out, and the trail began to change.

The New York Times

On March 13th a light went out on Broadway when "Mr. Hickey" passed on.

The New York Times

The light went out and I thought that everything was collapsing on my children," who were unharmed, he said.

Independent

"Like if a light went out, I don't know if it would occur to you to change that light.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

A light going out in the forehead.

The New Yorker

But to make her light go out was a mistake.

The New Yorker

Don't let the light go out!

Huffington Post

What happens when the light goes out?

Huffington Post

The lights went out.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "light went out" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the comparison to loss, cessation, or failure. For example, "After his diagnosis, the light went out in his eyes."

Common error

Avoid using "light went out" in contexts where a simple 'the light bulb burned out' would suffice. The phrase carries a stronger emotional weight and is best reserved for situations where the loss is significant or symbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light went out" functions primarily as a statement describing the cessation of illumination or, metaphorically, the end of something positive. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "light went out" is a common and correct expression used to describe a literal or metaphorical loss of illumination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. While grammatically sound, its figurative use should be carefully considered to match the intended emotional weight. Alternatives like "lights failed" or "illumination ceased" may be more appropriate for formal settings. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where the sense of loss or cessation is significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

light extinguished

Uses a more formal verb to describe the cessation of light.

lights cut out

Suggests a sudden and abrupt cessation of the lights.

lights failed

Emphasizes the failure or malfunction of lighting.

illumination ceased

A more technical and formal way to say the light stopped.

brightness faded

Focuses on the gradual decline of light intensity.

the lamp died

A more figurative way to describe the light source failing.

power outage occurred

Describes the general failure of the electrical supply.

daylight waned

Refers specifically to the diminishing of natural light.

spark died out

Implies a metaphorical loss of energy or enthusiasm.

flame flickered and died

Describes the final moments of a flame before it stops burning.

FAQs

How can I use "light went out" in a sentence?

You can use "light went out" to describe a literal loss of illumination, as in "The "lights failed" during the storm". It can also be used metaphorically to describe a loss of hope, joy, or life force.

What's a more formal way to say "light went out"?

A more formal alternative to "light went out" could be "light extinguished" or "illumination ceased". These options are suitable for more formal writing contexts.

Is "light went out" appropriate for business writing?

While grammatically correct, "light went out" is generally too evocative for most business contexts. A more neutral phrase like "power outage occurred" or "the electricity was interrupted" would be more appropriate.

Can "light went out" describe a person's death?

Yes, "light went out" can be used as a euphemism for someone's death, implying that their life force or spirit has departed. However, use this phrasing with sensitivity and awareness of the context and audience.